With Portugal eliminated from the World Cup in the last eight, the departure of team leader Fernando Santos seems to be a foregone conclusion. Recently, speculation about his successor has been rife, with the most vocal being "Madman" Molenu. Portuguese and Italian media have reported that the Portuguese FA has informally contacted the manager, and even discussed the details, one of which is to allow him to be the manager of Roma at the same time, so as to realize the "best of both worlds".
It is reported that the Portuguese FA considers Molenu as their first choice due to the fact that he is undoubtedly the most successful coach in Portugal's history, having won 8 league titles, 2 Champions Leagues, 1 Europa League title and 1 UEFA Europa League title. He has a wealth of experience in big games, even taking non-great teams like Roma into the Eredivisie, and his new nickname "Mad" is proof of his prowess.
Ferrando Santos himself has publicly stated that Molenu is the best successor in his mind. In April last year, he said, "Molenu is an excellent successor, my contract will expire in 2024 and Molenu is the best replacement." Now, with the imminent departure of Ferrando Santos, it seems inevitable that Moleno will take over early.
Molenu has also made statements about coaching a national team. He said in 2020, "Yes, I would like to coach a national team, to experience the experience of leading a World Cup or a Euro, to feel the atmosphere of such cups. Portugal? On the one hand I would love to because it's in my heart, on the other hand it's difficult because it's the country where you were born."
In order to convince Molenu, the Portuguese FA even allowed him to be the Roma manager at the same time. At the moment, the only question is whether Roma are willing to allow Molenu to play both roles. There is still time for all three sides to explore this possibility as the Europa League qualifiers approach in March next year.
